Lion Head Mesa desert rose

toula smiled up at her father. he had seemed to enjoy her song. it made her want to sing a dozen more for him. he spoke, his voice the melody of a hymn in of itself. toula looked around them, as though considering his question. though the light did not bother her yet, before it ever could there was shade overhead. toula moved closer to him, and the shade followed still. toula was delighted once more, and looked at her father in awe.
he commanded so many things! even the shadows!
toula looked around them. her warm gaze caught the eye of one figure, and she smilingly practiced the same imperatorial gesture, but toward her father. perhaps her warmth might have reduced the air of command her father the pharaoh presented, but her heart willed for him, too, to be comfortable. toula had that much and more in it; she desired to give him and her mother the wonderful world they brought upon her.
her gratitude was endless.
and she quietly, patiently watched the servant—to see what they might do!